The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Today we are hosting a reunion for the White House Champions of Change we’ve honored over the past five years.
Today, we are hosting a reunion for our Champions of Change here in Washington, D.C. to discuss the great progress we’ve made, and how we can continue to turn ideas into action. Our Champions will connect to discuss their incredible accomplishments and the important work we all must do in the months and years ahead to move America forward.
Five years ago, we hosted our first Champions of Change event to honor former Peace Corps Volunteers who have gone on to be leaders in their own communities. Since then, we have honored more than 1,300 Champions at 134 events. Our Champions of Change hail from all 50 states and D.C., and individually and collectively tell the story of the potential of every citizen across our country to be a force for good.
We’ve honored young people who are leading the way to combat sexual assault on college campuses, and parents who are shining stars on their PTA. Some of our leading future farmers have come by the White House, as well as agricultural leaders who are fighting climate change – not to mention a group of young women coders who showed that STEM is cool again. We’ve had Champions who are fighting addiction and youth homelessness, signing people up for health insurance, ensuring formerly incarcerated Americans have a second chance at success, and even a 10-year old named Grace Cortese who was helping her school community become more green.
President Obama intentionally began his career as a community organizer because what has driven him throughout his life is an understanding and appreciation for the power of each citizen. He learned first-hand that the best solutions for the challenges we face originate with you – the American people. That's why he created Champions of Change – to celebrate ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things in communities all across our country; to share their accomplishments so that others will follow their lead, for they should inspire and motivate us all.
We are so proud of our champions!
You can watch the event here today from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET.
